Ngongotaha Chiefs coach wants 80-minute performance

Ngongotaha Chiefs player Tofiga Falani scores against Mangakino at Puketawhero Park last weekend. Photo/Ben Fraser

Ngongotaha are taking nothing for granted when they play bottom-of-the-table Taneatua at home.Coach Jason Walker said his side needed to produce an 80-minute performance today, after showing glimpses of brilliance during their 34-26 loss to Mangakino last week.

"We're looking for a bit of consistency, we're struggling to get that full 80-minute game out of them at the moment.

"The players seem to nod off here and there at vital times when we could be putting the other team under pressure.

"It's not like we don't have the players to do well. It's just getting them all to work as a team," Walker said.

He said Taneatua had some skilful players but were let down by a lack of fitness and numbers at times.

"We'll look to turn them around and use the ball. It will be a bit wet this weekend. We'll kick early, turn them around and put them under pressure so they make mistakes."

He also wanted to see an improved defensive effort from his players.

"They're not talking enough to one another - giving their mate confidence and letting him know when they're there if they miss a tackle.

"Communication is very important. If you're not saying something your teammate gets stuck in two minds. It helps them make the right choice."

Meanwhile, second-placed Pikiao Warriors play sixth-placed Taupo away, on the back of a groundbreaking victory over Otumoetai last week.

It was Otumoetai's first loss of the season and a huge morale boost for Pikiao leading into semi-finals in three weeks' time.

Having beaten Taupo earlier this season, Pikiao coach Jason Parata said they were a different beast at home.

"They're a lot tougher at home. They've been struggling this year but everyone seems to step up to play Pikiao.

"The weather hasn't helped with training this week and we have a few away injured," Parata said.

He was pleased with his side's defence last week, only conceding one try, and wanted to see the players build on that as well as improve their attack.

"Our attack has been all right, but it's still all the little things. We were good last week, but we could have been better. It was our best effort of the year but I still don't think it's the best we can play.

"The defence is a trust thing, the boys are starting to trust each other a lot more."

With a semi-final spot secured, Pikiao's next goal is to ensure they stay in the top two and get a home semifinal.

"We've only got two games left and then the bye in the last week.

"Everyone wants a home semifinal, the crowd is a big plus at home - we had good support away last weekend too so we're starting to build our supporters back up which is a good thing."

Coastline/Bay of Plenty Premier Rugby League:
Saturday
Kickoff: 2.30pm
Pacific v Otumoetai at Memorial Park
Taupo v Pikiao at Hickling Park
Ngongotaha v Taneatua at Puketawhero Park
Mangakino BYE